Solo backpacking on the Big Piney Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest of Missouri

[@db_illin]

Awesome video, thanks for posting!

[@eddiebrady6351]

Nice video!

[@BudgetPhoenix]

im also in lawrence and came across this place online as a nice backpacking spot thats fairly close.

[@briangoodman8990]

It's a good one for sure. Think I've backpacked this trail over 25 times now.

[@arkansasalex7288]

You were right man! Just got back last night, I ended up going counterclockwise..and took that cut-through.. so alltrails said it was right under 13 miles (12.6).. an awesome trail. I camped at the water crossing (about 6.5 miles in) and ran Into 4 or 5 sets of hikers, and 2 different groups of horse riders.. I will be going back soon! -Alex

[@briangoodman8990]

Right on. Glad to hear you had a sweet time out there. I'm heading down there next weekend. Can't wait.

[@juliamarple3785]

Very interesting. -Southern Rocky Mtn lady here. Heading to Missouri & Kansas with my backpack in a few days! For one thing, we don't have all those leaves.

[@briangoodman8990]

Hey thanks for watching and happy trails!

[@willeverett9233]

I live about 10 min from Hawn State Park. It's a beautiful pine forest with nice backcountry sites. We love hiking into their sites. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out

[@briangoodman8990]

Thanks for the hot tip! I’ll have to check it out.

[@Watagot]

Hawn State Park is one of my favorites!

[@findsharon]

Welcome to MO where it could either be 70 degrees or 7 degrees in December.

[@reddog4091]

Thanks for the video. I'm also from east Kansas and I am currently planning a backpacking trip with my boys. Colorado is a bit of a far drive for a weekend trip, so this is great!

[@briangoodman8990]

Thanks for watching! Hope you make it down to the Big Piney!

[@earneyburchard1462]

This is a great video! Thanks for the great work.

[@ndettwiler]

Just found your channel while looking for reviews on this trail, looking for a new place to go. I'm in Olathe, and have a daughter living in Lawrence. Subscribed!

[@briangoodman8990]

Excellent! I just back from two nights down there over the weekend! Hope you get a chance to get down there, it's a super trail.

[@jessej3513]

I've been wanting to go backpacking for a while. Can you set up camp anywhere on that trail?

[@briangoodman8990]

Sure can. There are spots all along the trail where people have been camping for years, so there are established rock fire rings and the ground is a little cleared out from people setting up tents, but you can camp anywhere within the wilderness area.

[@gnomacide07]

Good Info. Thanks. Getting ready to take my kids in a few weeks. The best backpacking in Kansas is at Elk City Lake. It’s as close as you can come to Arkansas in KS. It’s good for a night or two.

[@briangoodman8990]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, Elk City is just about the only backpacking in KS and it's not free. I love KS, but I don't love the fact that KS is last in the US for amount of public land. Hope you and your kids enjoy the Big Piney. I'll be heading there soon myself!

[@joebradley1403]

Sorry I couldn't make it buddy! Love the vid!

[@schmeltzb]

Just discovered your channel. I live here in Missouri and I hope that you keep these videos coming. Great quality amd awsome content.

[@briangoodman8990]

Thanks a ton Ben!

[@robertbarnes5839]

Question? Since you have walked this trail so many times and are a very knowledgeable. Have you ever thought of bringing items to better mark the trail for others whom may be on their first hike of this trail. When I hike or bike I always try and do a little something to make it better for the next traveler ……even if it’s just clearing a downed tree on a bike path rather than just crossing over it with my bike. Just curious ….thank you for sharing I really enjoyed your little adventure and I too love the outdoors.

[@stelthy100]

Rule 1 dont hike alone RULE 2 refer to Rule 1

[@briangoodman8990]

Hmm…If I followed this rule, I would’ve missed out on a ton of great adventures. Yeah, I’m gonna pass on that rule.

[@arkansasalex7288]

Do you normally run into many people hiking this trail?

[@briangoodman8990]

Hey there. I normally go out there on week days and usually don't see anyone. If you go on a nice fall or spring weekend, you'll see some other backpackers, but there are plenty of spots to camp and I've never been annoyed at the number of people. Happy trails!

[@arkansasalex7288]

​@briangoodman8990 thanks for the fast reply! I'm actually planning on doing the big piney trail this weekend. I am so glad I found your video because I haven't heard anything about that cut off you mentioned to shorten the trail. I'm somewhat nervous about the water situation, but I guess just camel up. This is about a 3 hour drive for me, but I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks Alex

[@arkansasalex7288]

​@@briangoodman8990 also, for a first timer.. which direction would you recommend?

[@briangoodman8990]

@@arkansasalex7288 Hey no problem, I love chatting about the Big Piney! I think clockwise is the way to go. Do you have a map of the trail? www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/big-piney-trail ...Here's a map that shows the mileage and shows that cutoff trail (at 3.5miles in). If you take the cutoff, it will take you right down to the Little Paddy Creek which is always running and there are some good spots to camp right down there close to the creek. Have a great hike! I'm actually heading down there Nov. 8th!

[@arkansasalex7288]

@briangoodman8990 yes I have alltrails, I'll have to take a closer look at it, so if I go clockwise, and then take that cut off.. I'll find some nice camping spots there.. sweet. I was trying to decide where to go this weekend between big piney or back to the north sylamore creek trail. The sylamore creek one isn't a loop tho, which makes logistics more complicated.

[@Gwilfawe]

This probably can't be bikepacked huh

[@briangoodman8990]

Hey there! No, this trail is crazy rocky and would be brutal on a bike. I guess you could try though!

[@mattperry9505]

"Global warming"?? LOL

[@briangoodman8990]

yep.

[@thomasg321]

It has always been like that. Not global warming. The following week it may be 20 degrees.@@briangoodman8990